Polish Jews in Lithuania: Escape to Japan  Artifact

Embroidered matzah cover

Following the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the Lifszyc family began to search for ways to leave the country. David Lifszyc obtained a Curacao visa from the Dutch consulate. He also obtained an American visa because he was included on a list of distinguished rabbis submitted to the State Department by the Agudat Israel of America. After obtaining Soviet exit visas, the Lifszycs purchased tickets for Vladivostok on February 5, 1941. They started for Moscow, where they received Japanese transit visas. This embroidered matzah cover, dated 1931, was a family heirloom used by the Lifszyc family. The inscription reads "Cloth for Passover 1931," while the embroidery on the reverse reads "Presented by M. and M. Lifszyc." [From the USHMM special exhibition Flight and Rescue.]